The Mengshan Giant Buddha is a stone statue located in the north peak of Mengshan Mountain, Taiyuan and built during the Northern Qi dynasty. Initially discovered in a 1980 census, the statue was found to have its head missing. From 2006 to 2008, people constructed a 12-meter tall head for the statue. The site opened to the public on October 2008.
Mengshan Grand Buddha, built in 6th century, is known as the earliest and heaviest carved stone in the world. According to the record of the Qing Dynasty, the height of Mengshan Grand Buddha is 63 meters, 8 meters lower than Sichuan Leshan Grand Buddha which was completed later than the former for 162 years.
Mengshan Grand Buddha has a long history which can dates back to the North Qi Dynasty. In AD 551, the king of the North Qi Dynasty, Gao Yang ordered people to chisel a Buddha in the rocks, and its construction lasted for 24 years. According to North Qi Book, when the Grand Buddha was being built, its construction site was extremely wonderful. The whole design of the Mengshan Giant Buddha has the distinct features of the architectural style of the North Dynasty. The Buddha is very huge and extreme magnificent. Therefore, when the king of Tang Dynasty, Li Zhi and the queen, Wu Zetian worshiped this Grand Buddha, they all highly appreciated it.
Address: Mengshan, Jinyuan district, Taiyuan city, Shanxi province
Opening hours: 8:00 – 18:30
Admission fee: 70 RMB
Type: Culture
Transportation: Take Bus No. 58, then get off at Mengshan Giant Buddha Station.
Recommended visit time: 1-2 hours